What is Sizing Like at Dorina?

By Ella Blake — Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub — Always honest, unbiased, & unsponsored

Dorina sizing runs broadly true to size across its lingerie and briefs range, but bralettes tend to have a generous band and bikini bottoms can come up slightly small — so there are a few nuances worth knowing before you buy.

I'll be honest — Dorina wasn't on my radar for years. I stumbled across it when a client of mine was desperately searching for an affordable bralette that could actually accommodate a fuller bust without looking like it belonged in 1992. She came back raving. I tried a couple of pieces myself and, well, here we are. It's not a brand that shouts from the rooftops, but it's been quietly delivering decent, affordable lingerie and swimwear since 1968, which is no small feat.

A Bit About Dorina

Founded in Germany in 1968, Dorina has built its reputation on accessible, everyday lingerie for real women. It isn't trying to be Agent Provocateur — it's far more interested in making you feel comfortable, supported and stylish on a Tuesday morning than on a special occasion. The range now covers bras from AA to H cup, clothing sizes from XXS to 6XL, swimwear, nightwear, shapewear, and an ECO line made from recycled fabrics. You'll find it stocked at ASOS and other online retailers in the UK.

For the price point, the quality is genuinely impressive — particularly on their ECO collection pieces, which are noticeably better constructed and worth the slight premium if you're choosing between the two.

Dorina Bra Sizing — What to Expect

This is where things get slightly more nuanced. For underwired bras, Dorina generally runs true to size — I'd say stick to your usual bra size as a starting point. Where it gets trickier is with the soft bras and bralettes.

The band on bralettes tends to come up slightly generous. If you're between sizes or prefer a snug band, consider sizing down.
The cups are more forgiving — the stretch fabric and design means there's actually a reasonable range of bust sizes that'll work comfortably in a given cup.
For underwired styles, the fit is more conventional — measure properly and order your usual bra size with confidence.
If you're shopping the fuller bust range (D cup and above), the Curve line is worth exploring separately, as the proportions are cut differently to the standard range.

One thing I've noticed is that the quality of the finishing on Dorina's lower price point pieces is… fine. Serviceable. Don't look too closely at the inner seam edges. But the outer appearance and comfort? Genuinely good, and at the price, it's hard to complain.

Dorina Briefs & Knickers — Pretty Reliable

Good news here: knickers and briefs at Dorina are consistently true to size. Multiple reviews and my own experience with their hipster briefs back this up — if you're a UK 10, order a UK 10 (or Medium in their letter sizing). The microfibre fabrics are soft, stay put and wash well. I've had pairs from their basics range that have lasted far longer than they have any right to at that price point.

Hipster and full brief styles: order your usual size
Thongs and high-leg styles: true to size, no need to size up
If you're right between sizes, go up — the fabric has stretch but you don't want it pulling

Dorina Swimwear — Size Up on Bottoms

Swimwear is where I'd urge a little caution, particularly on the bottoms. I ordered a bikini from their ECO range (the sustainable swimwear collection — made from 88% recycled polyester, which I loved the idea of), and while the top fitted beautifully and true to size, the bottoms were noticeably tighter on the hips than I expected, even though I'd ordered my usual size. A friend had the exact same experience.

Bikini tops: order your usual bra-equivalent size — they're generally accurate
Bikini bottoms: if you're between sizes, size up — they can come up a touch small on the hips
One-pieces and swimsuits: true to size, with decent stretch for comfort

The swimwear quality is genuinely solid for the price — the recycled fabric dries reasonably quickly and holds its shape well after repeated wear. If sustainability matters to you (and it should, frankly), the ECO line is worth choosing over the standard swimwear collection.

Dorina Nightwear & Loungewear — Relaxed and Generous

The nightwear range — chemises, nightdresses and robes — tends to come up with a relaxed, generous fit by design. These are not tailored pieces; they're designed to skim. The stretch fabrics are forgiving across a range of sizes, which actually makes them easier to shop than the bra range.

Chemises and nightdresses: order your usual size — the design is intentionally relaxed
The adjustable straps on many styles allow for fine-tuning fit at the bust
If you prefer a more fitted look in nightwear, consider sizing down one

High Street Alternatives to Dorina

If Dorina doesn't quite hit the mark for you — or you want to explore comparable options — here's where I'd point you, depending on what you're after:

M&S — honestly, the gold standard for accessible bra fitting in the UK. Exceptional size range, reliable sizing and a proper fitting service that Dorina can't compete with. Their everyday sets are great value.
Calvin Klein — for those who want cleaner, more minimal underwear aesthetics with a slightly premium feel. Sizing is generally true to size and the quality step up is noticeable.
H&M — a solid budget alternative for bralettes and knicker sets. Their lingerie range has improved a lot in recent years and sizing is consistent.
Next — brilliant for everyday basics and particularly strong on fuller bust options. Size ranges are wide and the fit is reliable.
Urban Outfitters — if it's bralettes and more fashion-forward lingerie you're after, UO delivers with a younger, more playful aesthetic at accessible prices.
Cos — understated, minimalist underwear basics done beautifully. True to size, excellent quality for the price and far more thoughtfully designed than you'd expect.
New Look — reliably affordable and surprisingly well-sized across a good range of cup sizes. Great for holiday bikini shopping without the guilt.
Asos — an enormous range pulling in dozens of brands alongside their own label. Ideal if you like comparing multiple options at once, though sizing varies by brand so check each one individually.

And for two slightly less obvious picks I love recommending:

Bluebella — a brilliant British lingerie brand that sits in the sweet spot between affordable and special. Beautiful lace bralettes and sets with real attention to detail. True to size with a clear, helpful size guide.
Playful Promises — an independent UK label championing inclusive sizing and seriously gorgeous design. Everything from barely-there bralettes to fuller bust options, and the sizing consistency is excellent.

Premium Lingerie Alternatives

If you're ready to invest a little more, these brands deliver noticeably better construction, fabric quality and fit:

Chantelle — French lingerie excellence. Expertly engineered bras that genuinely support and flatter. A step up in every way and worth every penny if bra fit matters to you.
Fantasie — a UK brand with a particular strength in fuller cup bras. If you've ever struggled to find a bra that actually fits a D+ cup beautifully, Fantasie is the answer.
Wacoal — Japanese precision applied to lingerie. Their T-shirt bras in particular are exceptionally smooth and flattering. True to size and made to last.

Luxury & Designer Lingerie

For those special occasions — or just because — these are the names worth knowing:

Agent Provocateur — the iconic British luxury lingerie house. Beautifully crafted, unapologetically bold and sized in their own system, so use their size guide carefully.
La Perla — the pinnacle of Italian luxury lingerie. Exquisite fabrics and construction at a significant price point. Runs true to European sizing.
Fleur of England — a lesser-known British luxury brand that deserves far more attention. Hand-finished lace sets with impeccable quality and incredibly flattering cuts. A favourite recommendation of mine for something truly special.

📖 More from the Tellar Fashion Hub:

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